In a concert sponsored by Princeton University Concerts (PUC), the Takács String Quartet and pianist Sir Stephen Hough will come to Richardson Auditorium to perform a program of music by Beethoven, Brahams, and Hough on Thursday, February 20 at 7:30 p.m.

This will be Hough’s long-awaited PUC debut and the Takács String Quartet’s 10th PUC concert. The program features Beethoven’s String Quartet in F Major, Op. 18, No. 1; Brahms’ Quintet in F Minor for Piano and Strings, Op. 34; and Hough’s Les Six Rencontres, which he wrote specifically for the Takács Quartet. Part of the ensemble’s 50th anniversary season, the artists are bringing this program only to PUC and to The Royal Conservatory in Toronto.

“We look forward to presenting these incredible musicians in combined forces,” said PUC Director Marna Seltzer. “Welcoming the Takács Quartet back to Princeton is always a joy, and we are absolutely thrilled this performance is bringing the legendary Sir Stephen Hough to our series as both pianist and composer. Their program is just as momentous as their partnership.

“The Brahms Piano Quintet, Op. 34, one of my all-time favorite pieces of chamber music, is often referred to as the pinnacle of Brahms’ chamber music. The fiery string quartet by Beethoven was inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Many may remember when the Takács Quartet performed all the Beethoven string quartets on our series in 2017; they are exceptional interpreters of his work. The introspective string quartet Sir Stephen wrote for the Takács Quartet is a reflection of his brilliance as a composer and a testament to the Quartet’s range and collaborative spirit.”

Tickets are $30-$50 ($10 students). Visit puc.princeton.edu/admit-all or call (609) 258-2800.